Whether it’s from training or just plain spoiling, our furry friends deserve treats every so often! But with mysterious ingredients and unhealthy additives, store-bought treats might not always be the best choice. Instead, try making homemade ones! Below you’ll find biscuit and ice cream recipes along with some hacks to beat the summer heat.

Homemade Dog Biscuits

Homemade biscuits are great for your own dog, but can also be used in goodie bags or as gifts to other furbaby owners! Making your dough at home also means that you can cater the size of the treat to the size of your dog. Try this recipe for Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats. It combines all dog-safe ingredients to create a crunchy and satisfying snack. But, if pumpkin makes your pup’s nose turn up, then try this recipe for Apple Carrot Dog Biscuits. With all-natural ingredients, these treats are tasty to dogs AND humans! Make your treats even better with these cute dog-themed cookie cutters.

Homemade Dog Ice Cream

Nothing sounds better on a hot summer day than a cold, sweet ice cream cone. Right? We bet your dog agrees! But before you hit the road to Dairy Queen, check out some of these homemade recipes that are both easy to make, and safe for your pup. Try this recipe for Peanut Butter Ice Cream that combines peanut butter, yogurt, baby food and honey- is your dog drooling yet? Or try this ice cream that includes carob chips. Similar in taste to dark chocolate, carob chips are made from a type of pea & contain all sorts of vitamins that are not toxic to dogs. During the summer, dog-friendly ice cream treats are a great way to reward your pup, while also keeping them cool!

Hot Weather Hacks

If you think summer is hot, imagine how it feels covered in fur! Along with ice cream treats, there are plenty of clever ways to prevent an overheated pup. Try taking walks early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures aren’t at their peak. If adjusting your schedule just won’t work, consider purchasing a cooling vest. It will protect your pooch from the sun’s rays and work to evaporate sweat through its fabric. Another easy way to keep your dog cool is with ice cube tray treats! Simply fill an ice cube tray with water (or a little bit of chicken broth) and a few dog treats. Once frozen, pop them out and let your dog play!

Keep your pup safe this summer and remember to stop at your local Sparkle Market for all of the fresh ingredients you need to make your dog treats a success!

Believe it or not, grills weren’t made for just burgers and hotdogs. And if you don’t believe us, take a look at today’s featured recipes! Below you’ll find lots of unconventional, yet extra tasty, recipes destined for the grill.

Grilled ‘Zaa

Next time you make a flatbread pizza, give that dough some extra love! Try our recipe for Chicken Chipotle Ranch Flatbread, but instead of baking it in the oven, take it to the grill. The charred dough will give your favorite restaurant-style pizza a run for its money. You could also try this technique with our recipe for Margherita Flatbread.

No-Mess Foil Packets

If you have yet to be introduced to foil packets, let us be the first to say this: they will REVOLUTIONIZE the way you grill. Minimal prep and even less clean up is involved when it comes to grilling packets. If you want a break from cleaning up dinner, try our recipe for Sausage and Shrimp Packets. Just season all of the ingredients, seal in foil packets and grill for 15 minutes! Or you can try this recipe for Peach Glazed Pork Tenderloin. The pork is coated in a peach preserve mixture before cooked in a foil packet. The packet keeps the pork moist and tender throughout the entire process.

Breakfast on the Barbie

Grilling out is great for lunch and dinner, but have you ever thought of firing up the flames for breakfast? You can avoid smoking up the house and cook your bacon on the grill for a change! Not only does it taste great, but it’s also healthier (no pools of grease on the grill!). Or try making our recipe for Stuffed French Toast on the grill. Rather than pan-frying the bread, grill it. The same philosophy can also be applied to breakfast sandwiches. The bread will be nice and crunchy, while the insides will take on the grill’s smokiness.

Flaming Fruit

Of all things worth grilling, fruit might take the cake in our book. Most fruits are made up of basically water and sugar. So, when they’re grilled, the water is reduced and the natural sugars become caramelized. If you aren’t drooling yet, take a look at this recipe for Grilled Peaches with Amaretti Cookies. In this recipe, fresh summer peaches are grilled and filled with Amaretto-soaked amaretti cookie crumbles. Or try this recipe for Grilled Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches. Grill the bananas themselves first for extra flavor before grilling the bread!

Refill your propane tank and head to your local Sparkle Market for all of the fresh ingredients you need to try these unique grilling techniques!

In the summer, indulgences are everywhere. But, despite the tempting graduation cakes and endless pasta salads, we urge you to go healthy! The season’s plethora of fresh veggies and fruit make it easy to try any number of healthy dishes. And today, we’ve made it even easier with some of our best healthy recipes.

Lighten Your Carb Load

Eating foods laden with heavy carbohydrates can leave your body feeling sluggish and even sick. Things like potatoes, pasta, cake and bread aren’t always the healthiest choices. Keep your meals light this summer and try a few of our recipes low in carbs. Our recipe for Summer Zucchini Bake combines fresh summertime veggies with plenty of seasonings. For a healthy taco alternative, try our recipe for Bell Pepper Beef Boats. In this recipe, bell peppers act as the “shell” for you to fill with all of your favorite taco fixings. Another great low carb recipe is our BBQ Chicken and Corn. Coated in a sweet and spicy marinade, this chicken is full of flavor, without the carbs.

Superfoods to the Rescue

Healthy eating is all about making the best ingredient choices for your diet. To any aspiring healthy eater: cook with superfoods aka nutrient-rich foods that are extra beneficial for your health. One of the most popular superfoods today is the avocado. Try our recipe for Turkey Bacon Avocado Grilled Cheese and benefit from the avocado’s potassium and heart-healthy fats. Or bulk up on your omega-3s with our recipe for Salmon Cakes. Another fantastic superfood is broccoli, rich in vitamin C (powerful antioxidant) and vitamin K. Try our latest recipe for Broccoli Salad– it’s great tasting AND great for you.

Healthy Desserts

Eating healthy is fine when it comes to veggies and fruit, but cutting out sugar? You might be thinking “no thanks.” Fortunately, there’s still plenty of healthy desserts out there that will tame your sweet tooth. If you’re in the mood for something sweet and salty, try our recipe for Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites. In this recipe, peanut butter and agave act as natural sweeteners with chia seeds and oats adding extra protein and fiber. Or if fruit is more your flavor, try our recipe for Berry Dessert. Make it healthy with sugar-free Cool Whip, Jell-O and plant-based Stevia (instead of powdered sugar).

This summer, ditch the cupcakes and heavy pasta, and instead opt for some lighter meals! As always, make sure to stop by your local Sparkle Market for all of the fresh ingredients you need to make your healthy dishes a success.

School is (or is almost) out, the sun is shining and the air is filled with the sweet smell of…food! That’s right, food festival season is upon us and we’re here to make sure that you know exactly what’s happening in Ohio. Continue reading for some of the upcoming June food festivals in the area. And if you can’t make it to a festival, don’t fret! You can bring the festival to you with some of our food festival-inspired recipes.

Chicken and Beer Festival | June 2 | Columbus

Columbus’s Chicken and Beer Festival is returning for its second year this June 2, and it should be a great time! The festival is held at West Bank Park, just south of COSI and is from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local vendors will be serving up many chicken-themed dishes, along with craft beers. For more info, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Travel to Parma this June 7-10 for the city’s 28th Annual Parma Rib ‘n Rock. This family-friendly festival will feature 20 local and national food vendors, 11 live musical acts, rides and activities. Admission is only $3 and children 12 and under are free. The festival is located at the Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus and starts at 4 p.m. on June 7. For more details, visit the Rib ‘n Rock official website.

Kent’s 9th annual Grill for Good fundraiser event is back this year, June 9 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Enjoy plenty of grilled treats, craft beers and live music. Tickets are $10, with proceeds going towards Coleman Professional Services, Family & Community Services and the Lent Jaycees. Details can be found on the event’s official website.

Our Recipes

For those that can’t attend this festival, fire up your grill and try some of our delicious, grilling recipes. Recreate our Grilled Sausage and Veggies, or try our recipe for Grilled Honey Chicken. Both are delicious, infused with the smokiness of the grill. Or for a nice summer dinner, try our recipe for Grilled Ribeye With Blue Cheese Butter. In this recipe, the steak is crusted with a flavorful rub and finished with a blue cheese butter mixture.

Festival: Strawberry Festival | June 16 & 17 | Youngstown

Youngstown’s White House Fruit Farm will host its annual Strawberry Festival on June 16 & 17. Visit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on either day and enjoy desserts, drinks, fresh berries, music and more!

Our Recipes

You could also pick up some fresh strawberries from your local Sparkle and try any of these recipes! For a light and refreshing dish, try our recipe for Strawberry Caprese Salad. For a delicious dessert, try our recipe for Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies. And if you’re in need of a recipe for an upcoming Memorial Day or 4th of July party, try our festive Berry Dessert.

Festival: Waterfront Wine Festival | June 23 | Avon Lake

This summer, enjoy the warm weather and sip wine by the lake at the 2018 Avon Lake Waterfront Wine Festival on Saturday, June 23. The event will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Park and begin at 4 p.m. Nine Ohio West Coast Wineries will be showcased at the festival, along with local Avon Lake restaurants. Tickets for tastings are $20 and include ten wine pours and a commemorative event wine glass. Find more details here.

For a nearly complete list of all of the summer food festivals happening in Ohio, visit the official Ohio festivals website. And if you decide to bring the festival to your own kitchen, make sure to stop by your local Sparkle Market for all of the ingredients you need!

Happy National Wine Day! In celebration of our fellow wine-lovers, here is a wide variety of recipes that either uses wine or go great with wine. Not sure how to pair wine with your food? Don’t worry! Below you’ll also find pairing suggestions for different types of recipes.

Main Course: Wine

Believe it or not, wine is definitely not just for drinking! Many recipes use wine to add depth and extra flavor to food. For example, our recipe for Beef Tenderloin uses red wine to make a flavorful sauce. Classy and delicious, this recipe works great for dinner parties. Another recipe that uses wine to its advantage, is our Salmon with Red Wine Balsamic Sauce. In this recipe, the sweet and rich sauce perfectly compliments the fatty salmon. For a twist on a classic wine dish, try our recipe for Chicken Marsala Casserole. This recipe combines pasta, chicken and mushrooms with a creamy marsala sauce, before baking in a casserole dish.

Wine-Infused Desserts

While savory recipes do a good job incorporating wine, desserts with wine are just plain great. For your next get-together, try our recipe for Red Wine and Chocolate Cupcakes. With wine in the cake AND the frosting, these cupcakes definitely don’t lack flavor. For a cold treat this summer, try this recipe for Blueberry Cabernet Cheesecake Popsicles. These popsicles contain all aspects of a blueberry cheesecake, with fresh blueberries, cream cheese mixture and graham cracker crumbs. Or for a classy dinner dessert, try this recipe for Raspberry Prosecco Jellies. In this recipe, raspberry prosecco gelatin is topped with homemade panna cotta, creating a fantastic fruity dessert.

Pairing 101

Just like each recipe has its own flavors and ingredients, so do wines! Whether for a party or just dinner, we want to make sure that you know when to drink white, red or something in-between with your dishes.

Pinot Noir | Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir taste great with earthy flavors. Recipes that use ingredients like mushrooms and truffles will work best with this wine. Try a glass of Pinot Noir with our recipe for Crab Stuffed Mushrooms or Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese and see how they complement one another.

Pinot Grigio | Light seafood dishes like our Poached Fish with Quinoa or Coconut Fish Tacos seem to take on more flavor when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio. This equally delicate white wine draws out a depth of flavors in both of these dishes.

On this National Wine Day, try one of our wine-infused recipes or wow your friends with your wine pairing knowledge! As always, stop by your local Sparkle Market for all of the fresh ingredients and wine you need to make these recipes a success.

The ultimate hunt- finding recipes that are easy to make and tasty to eat. Well, today you’re in luck! Below you’ll find a plethora of recipes that are easy as PIE (and might be inspired by pie too).

Pie-Inspired Recipes

If you’ve never tried creating something that isn’t pie, but tastes like pie, then now is your chance. These recipes feature all of the iconic flavors of classic pies, without taking on their usual form. Try our recipe for Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes. With box cake mix and instant pudding, these cupcakes are super simple to make and great for any upcoming graduation or Memorial Day parties! Or take advantage of summer’s fresh fruit and try this recipe for Peach Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Simply combine peaches with cream cheese, powdered sugar and cinnamon rolls. This recipe for Apple Pie Jam is another great combination of classic flavors, perfect for toast, biscuits or rolls.

Pie-Shaped Recipes

Contrary to popular belief, pie isn’t always sweet. These savory recipes work great as appetizers or even dinners, packaged into pie-shaped servings. Gather all of your fresh garden veggies and try our recipe for Zucchini and Corn Pie, great for vegetarians. Or, try our recipe for Potato Pie. Lined with puff pastry and filled with potatoes and bacon, this recipe mimics the delicious flavors of a loaded baked potato. For a bite-sized recipe, try our Chicken Pot Pie Cups. Shredded chicken and veggies are cooked in a classic pot pie gravy and eaten in single-serving puff pasty cups.

Actual Pie Recipes

We couldn’t name this blog “easy as pie” without including some actual pie recipes! Easy to make and delicious to eat, these pie recipes are extra satisfying. If you have a super sweet tooth, try our recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie. In this recipe, a Nutter Butter cookie crust is topped with fresh bananas, vanilla pudding, peanut butter whipped topping and chocolate syrup. For a simpler recipe, try recreating our Little Peach Pies. All you need is a prepared pie crust, peaches, honey, water, sugar and an egg! If you’re looking for something to make for Memorial Day, try our recipe for Red, White and Blueberry Pie. Loaded with fresh berries and topped with star-shaped crust remnants, this pie is delicious and festive.

With busy spring schedules and the arrival of warm weather, don’t spend all day cooking in the kitchen! Instead, stop by your local Sparkle Market for all of the fresh ingredients you need to make these recipes, easy as pie.

Someone find Stanley and let him know that it’s PRETZEL DAY! Sweet or salty, crunchy or soft, pretzels always seem to hit the spot. Today we’ve gathered a variety of recipes for parties, dinners or just personal indulgence – all with pretzels as the star!

Pretzels at Parties

We bet that you’ve never been to a party without pretzels. This time, instead of just throwing pretzels in a bowl, try one of our recipes! Our recipe for Mini Almond Cheeseballs packs all of the flavors of a classic cheeseball into a bite-sized treat. Cheese, bacon, onion and seasonings are mixed together, rolled in almonds and eaten with pretzel sticks. For a similar appetizer with different flavors, try our recipe for Pimento Bacon Cheese Bites. Little cheese balls, with an added kick of cayenne pepper and jalapeño, are served with pretzel sticks.

Pretzel Crusted Protein

Change up your usual dinner menu today and add pretzels! Young kids and picky eaters will love this recipe for Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Nuggets. Coat strips of chicken in flour, egg and pretzels before baking for 20 minutes! The pretzels form a fantastic salty crust on the chicken, adding flavor and fun to the meal. For a slightly more advanced dish, try this recipe for Pretzel-Fried Steak. In this recipe, the steak is coated similarly to the chicken, just with different spices. The juicy cooked steaks are topped with a homemade mango-onion gravy- adding the perfect amount of tanginess to the dish.

Pretzel Desserts

Don’t quote us on this, but we’re pretty sure it’s a law that we must combine sweet and salty in a dessert. Even if it’s not, you should definitely try our recipe for Snickers Dip. This recipe mimics a Snickers candy bar with cream cheese, Cool Whip and peanut butter. But what makes this recipe truly perfect are the pretzels used for dipping. Or try this recipe for PB Cheesecake With a Pretzel Crust. In this recipe, creamy and sweet cheesecake is perfectly paired with a crunchy, slightly salty pretzel crust.

Celebrate National Pretzel Day with us and stop by your local Sparkle Market for all of the pretzels and fresh ingredients you need to make these recipes a success!